Q and A: Basketball Player Amy Bratvold

Mar 12, 2009

Feb. 20, 2009

By Keenan Bowen, EWU Sports Information

Amy Bratvold has accomplished a lot in her two years as an Eastern women's basketball player. This is especially true of late, as the senior has started the last eight games for the Eagles. And, as a team captain, she has served as a leader to a team that is in the midst of an incredible turnaround season. The Eagles have already recorded five times as many Big Sky Conference wins as its counterpart did a year ago.

Statistically, she is averaging 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Bratvold has also tallied 18 assists and 17 steals this year. She had the best scoring output of her career on Jan. 10, 2007, with 18 points against the defending Big Sky champion Idaho State Bengals.

In the classroom, Bratvold earned Big Sky All-Academic honors a year ago.

She and fellow senior Morgan Rulon were honored on Saturday (Feb. 14) prior to Eastern's final home game of the season versus Idaho State.

Bratvold and the Eagles (10-15, 5-7 BSC) play a road game against Northern Colorado at 12:05 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday (Feb. 21). Eastern enters the contest in a four-way tie for third place in the league standings.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Eastern after playing in junior college?

A: "I wanted to get a great education and play at a high level. My grandparents live close and could attend all the home games, and I could visit them. I also had family members who were able to attend the away games because it was close to their hometowns."

Q: What are your goals for after you graduate from Eastern?

A: "Once I graduate, I would like to play overseas. I really like to travel and it would be a great experience. I plan on going to graduate school for physical therapy."

Q: What do you feel is your role on the team this year as one of only two seniors?

A: "My role is to be a leader on the team. I am more of a leader by example but worked on being a more vocal leader. I want to see the younger players improve everyday and encourage them along the way."

Q: How did it feel to play your last game at Reese Court this past Saturday?

A: "It was a crazy feeling to play my last home game this past Saturday. I just think of how fast my four years of college basketball have gone and how much I have grown as an individual. I was happy to have my family be a part of my basketball career also."

Q: What part of basketball do you like best?

A: "I like the competition and being part of a team."

Q: Who have been the most influential people in your playing career?

A: "I have had some great coaches that have helped me get where I am today. My AAU coach, Steve Irons, believed in me ever since the beginning. My junior college coach, Randy Rogers, taught me all about defense and determination. And, of course, my parents, who have been there and supported me the entire way."

Q: Looking back on your basketball career at all levels, what is your favorite moment and why?

A: "My favorite moment was playing at the state tournament in high school. We had nine seniors on the team, and we all played together since sixth grade."

Q: Outside of basketball, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

A: "I really enjoy dirt biking, camping, and snowmobiling with family and friends."

Q: If you could play a game of HORSE with any athlete - past or present - who would it be and why?

A: "I am going to have to say my sister, Kelsy, because we haven't played that game in forever. We used to play HORSE all the time when we were younger."

Q: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

A: "I want to finish the year strong and get to the Big Sky Tournament. Once we get there, it is a whole new season and anything is possible."